KDL Recommends

This was an interesting read into the hunt for Osama and the actions that the Bush and Obama administrations took to hunt out Bin Laden. It also included insight into Osama and his life. For example, two of his four wives both had PhDs and he was very active and healthy and that he enjoyed training German Sheppards in police tactics. Another brilliant book by Peter Bergen.
-Craig at the Cascade Township branch

The continuing military sci-fi adventures of John “Black Jack” Geary. My only real complaint is that I’ll have to wait a year to see what happens next. Which I guess is not a huge tragedy since it will give me time to re-read/re-listen to the previous books. Again. (Much as I liked this book, do not read it as your first in the series. You will be very confused if you do. Read Dauntless [or possibly Dreadnaught, if the idea of reading seven books first seems overwhelming] and work your way forward from there. The audio versions of all the books are excellent.)
-Rachel at the Service Center

Eight years after Graceling, 18-year-old Bitterblue, now the queen of Monsea, realizes the weight of her responsibilities and the futility of relying on advisors as she tries to help her people heal from the 35-year spell cast by her father, a violent psychopath with mind-altering abilities.

Recommended by Beth at the Gaines Township branch and Morgan at the Walker branch

Joining the ranks of emigrants responding to Brigham Young’s edict to move to Salt Lake City with two-wheeled handcarts as their only mode of travel, four women share a grueling journey of survival that tests the bonds of their friendship and faith. By the author of The Bride’s House.

Recommended by Barb at the Byron Township branch

I picked this up because it is about the same kind of dog we have as a pet, an Australian Sheppard but I’m learning all about dog shows. Very interesting but definitely an expensive sport!
-Michelle at the Walker branch

This is the third book in Gregory’s “Cousins War” series (#1 – The White Queen; #2 – The Red Queen) It tells the story of Jacquetta of Luxembourg (1416-1472) whose daughter Elizabeth Woodville became queen of England (The White Queen) upon her marriage to King Edward IV. I love historical fiction & Gregory is one of the best authors in this genre. I listened to this on CD, read by Bianca Amato who also does a great job.
-Marlys at the Wyoming branch

Highly recommended.
-Trevor at the Kentwood branch

The daughter of Indian immigrants living in New York City and the son of a Kentucky coal miner become pen pals. It was refreshing to read this story written in letters, and lovely to watch a long-distance friendship evolve. Addressing cultural stereotypes, family issues, and the joys of being a tweenager, this story packs many great life lessons into one little book.
-Liz at the Gaines Township branch

One for the Murphys is the first novel written by Lynda Mullaly Hunt. This J book depicts the story of Carley Connors, a 12 year old girl, living in a foster home after being removed from her mother’s house. Read this excerpt, and you’ll understand why the front flap says that this book will stay with you long after you finish reading it.
-Robin at the Spencer Township branch

A novel that offers a glimpse into the psyche of modern day North Koreans through the torturous life path of a young man whose search for freedom is as twisted as the realities of this xenophobic country.
-Patrice at the Grandville branch

The book is full of photos with heartwarming and heartbreaking captions. I loved learning a little bit of the story in each photograph. I tore through the book and immediately visited the Dear Photograph website, which is updated daily.
-Katy at the Kentwood branch

Rendered unable to speak, read, or write after a Vietnam War injury thirty years earlier, Howard Kapostash feels trapped by his disability and longs for the life he lost until his high-school sweetheart, recently forced into rehab, asks him to care for her nine-year-old son

Recommended by Kris at the Englehardt branch

Raylan Givens is a US Marshall born in Kentucky. When he is assigned a protection detail for a coal company vice president, he runs into trouble.
He deal with a biggest marijuana grower in the state, a scheme to remove kidneys and sell them back to their owners, several shootings, and a boulder being pushed down a hill and into a good ole boys house.
-Jim at the Kentwood branch

Reminiscent of The Lovely Bones but from a mother’s perspective. Sob-inducing and absolutely riveting.
-Melissa at the Service Center

Take some time out from actually practicing an instrument to learn from this novice how best to practice and/or how to be an exceptional teacher.
-Helen at the Spencer Township branch

Hoping for a quieter life as a bakery owner after struggling as a young parent and suffering a heart-breaking divorce, Ramona Gallagher finds herself caring for an unruly step-granddaughter by immersing the girl in a network of women family members. By the RITA Award finalist author of The Lost Recipe for Happiness.

Recommended by Kristin at the Englehardt branch

Small time detective, Ray Lovell, finds himself drawn back to his roots by a missing woman’s case. His investigations lead him to the Jankos , a Traveling Gypsy family, whose history is as puzzling as it is guarded. Set in contemporary England the story portrays characters whose lives are complicated by their history and relationships.
-Patrice at the Grandville branch

A debut novel set in the American South explores themes of second chances and follows the heyday that ensues when a wealthy and reclusive woman holds a garage sale on the last day of the millennium, sparking curiosity and protectiveness throughout her Texas community.

Recommended by Barb at the Byron Township branch

Using various animals as examples, this rhyming picture book explores what makes them the same and what makes them different.

Recommended by Beth at the Gaines Township branch

First published in 1909 and once the most widely read book of its day, A Girl of the Limberlost is the story of the impoverished and unloved Elnora Comstock, who overcomes her circumstances through intelligence, perseverance, and strength of character. A source of inspiration for generations of young people.
-Mark at the Krause Memorial branch

The Rock Orchard by Paula Wells is a great read for fans of southern fiction. Packed full of quirky characters, small town humor and multi-generational family drama, you know you’re in for a fun ride when crusty Aunt Charlotte dances naked in the graveyard at night.
-Betsy at the Caledonia Township branch

Code Name Verity is a compelling, emotionally rich story with universal themes of friendship and loyalty, heroism and bravery set during WWII. This is a great teen book!
-Shaunna at the Grandville branch

Imagine if a slightly less manic version of Steve Irwin hosted a nature program about dinosaurs.
-Rachel at the Service Center

An attorney’s failing financial picture leads to a guardianship of an elderly man suffering from dementia. When a grandson unexpectedly appears on the scene everyone senses trouble – that is, until his hidden talents come to light. A heartwarming film of family and the small redemptive steps that can rebuild us.
-Patrice at the Grandville branch